Border Patrol search for 3-year-old boy swept away by Rio Grande, mother feared drowned

San Angelo

Border Patrol vehicles beside the border wall in Brownsville, Texas, on Aug. 10, 2017.

Border Patrol agents near Eagle Pass, Texas are still searching for a missing child after his mother attempted to cross the Rio Grande early Tuesday with him in tow, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release.

Officials fear the mother may have drowned.

At about 1:30 a.m., Aug. 20, 2019, a group of 12 suspected undocumented immigrants were seen crossing the Rio Grande near the Eagle Pass port of entry, according to the release.

Border Patrol agents were told by members of the group that a 28-year-old Honduran mother and her 3-year-old child were swept away by the river's strong currents.

"Agents immediately began search and rescue efforts to locate the mother and child, with the assistance from CBP Air and Marine Operations aircraft, according to the release.

At about 11 a.m. on Aug. 21, agents discovered a female body matching the description of the missing Honduran woman, which was turned over to the custody of the Maverick County Justice of the Peace, according to the release.

The search for the 3-year-old is ongoing.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurs too often,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Border Patrol agents are using all available resources in the search for the missing boy.”

More:Del Rio's top Border Patrol agent: We need help

John Tufts is a journalist in West Texas. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Consider supporting West Texas journalism with a subscription to GoSanAngelo.com.